Tuesday, 15 October 2013

Mazda Fan Festa 2013

Okayama International Circuit

The 2013 Mazda Fan Festa event will be held on Sunday 8th December 2013 at the Okayama Internationl Circuit. Fan Festa is an annual celebration of all things Mazda and is a great day out for all the family. Last years event was attended by over 3000 Mazda fans.
Taking to the track this year will be the SkyActiv Diesel Mazda 6 Grand-AM GX race car, the first diesel car to win at Indianapolis, which was transported specially from the USA. There will also be demonstrations from the Knight Sports Macau GP RX-8, Nopro Demio Super Taikyu ST5, Murakami Roadster Super Taikyu, the endurance Roadster used in the 4hr Media races, Savanna RX-3 race cars, Eunos Cosmo, and a 767B Le Mans race car #202. Passenger rides will also be available in various track prepped cars.

As well as demonstration runs, there will be two events for Mazda fans to take their cars out on track. The Mazda Fan Circuit Trial is a time attack event for cars divided into various performance categories. Then there is the Mazda Fan Endurance race. This is a two and a half hour race for Mazda cars again split into categories. You'll have to arrange entry to these events via their websites: "Circuit Trial" and "Endurance"
At the end of the day and to bring events to a close, there will be an on track parade behind the RX-8 safety car around the 3.7km circuit. This is limited to 200 places, and is followed by a souvenir group photo in the pitlane with the race cars for parade participants. I guess you will have to book early for this as demand will be high.
Away from trackside spectating there will plenty of other entertainment on offer in the paddock area. Mazda will be performing technology demonstrations of the safety features found in their latest models. There will talks and question & answer sessions with Mazda personnel and drivers. Various trade stands will be present with the opportunity to purchase some exclusive items only available on the day. There will also be live music from specially invited artists, a Kyosho DSlot43 track to play with, and a Karting track to race around.
Advance tickets go on sale November 8th for 2100 Yen (about £13) or you can pay slightly more at the gate on the day. If you happen to be in Japan in December, the event looks to be well worth a visit. Check out the official flyer below.

You can get a taste of what goes on at the event in this video by Mazda from last years festival.